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Excerpt from the book
Chapter 1
Methamphetamine, The Drug
A Brief History:
Methamphetamine is a man-made compound. Unlike many other illegal drugs such as
cocaine, heroin, and marihuana, it is not derived from plants or other natural sources. It was first
developed as a result of research done in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Initially, a substitute
for adrenaline was being sought for use as an anti-asthmatic agent. This led to the discovery of
Ephedrine, which is derived from the Ephedra plant. However there was a shortage of this plant
and researchers attempted to synthesize Ephedrine in the laboratory [1]. As is common in
scientific research, ancillary discoveries were made along the way. A series of amphetamine
compounds were developed. In 1919, a Japanese pharmacologist, A. Otaga, developed an
amphetamine derivative: d-phenylisopropylmethalamine HCL, better known as
methamphetamine [2].
These amphetamines were initially used and marketed in the United States in the 1930's
as a nasal decongestant administered through a nasal inhaler. This use continued into the 1950's.
Amphetamines rapidly developed acceptance in the medical field and were used to treat a wide
range of conditions ranging from Parkinson's Disease to sea sickness. It was found that these
compounds had the effect of increasing alertness, alleviating fatigue and creating a sense of well
being or euphoria. In World War Two, troops on both sides of the conflict were issued
amphetamines to improve performance [1].
Although amphetamines are useful in treating certain conditions, they are powerful
central nervous system stimulants. This makes them vulnerable to abuse. Their addictive
properties were apparent soon after the introduction of the inhalers. Initially, it was prescription
abuse by individual patients and doctors. In the 1960's, "speed freaks" entered upon the stage
when an injectable form of methamphetamine became available [2]. Until the passage of the
Controlled Substance Act of 1970, amphetamine abuse was fueled by diverting as much as 50%
of pharmaceutical supplies to illicit uses [2]. In the 1970's, amphetamine abuse was eclipsed by
cocaine, but began to make a resurgence in the 1980's. Spreading from the West coast, it has
reached epidemic proportions in the Mid-west and South. Only now is it beginning to show a
strong presence in the Northeast. New Hampshire has seen a dramatic increase in the use and
manufacture of methamphetamine. Table No. 1 details the number of clandestine
methamphetamine laboratory seizures reported by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Drug
Task Force, and is a good indication of this increase. Data since October 10, 2005, while not
included in Table No. 1, indicates a continued, high level of illicit methamphetamine laboratory
activity. Locations indicate the propencity to locate methamphetamine laboratories in small,
rural communities.
Chapter 1 Methamphetamine, The Drug page 2
Table 1
Methamphetamine Laboratories Seized in New Hampshire
| Year |
Number of
Labs
Found |
Location |
| 2000 |
1 |
Keene |
| 2001 |
1 |
Plymouth |
| 2002 |
0 |
|
| 2003 |
2 |
Nashua, Walpole |
| 2004 |
1 |
Warren |
| 2005 (as of October 10, 2005) |
6 |
Dover, New Hampton, Plymouth, Thornton,
Woodstock, Milan |
Use and Effects of Methamphetamine:
Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant. It is
regulated as a Schedule II stimulant, which means that it has limited medical applications,
prescriptions are non-refillable, and is highly vulnerable to abuse. Legitimate uses include the
treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder and obesity.
Methamphetamine comes in several forms including powders, tablets, capsules, liquids,
and crystalline chunks. Powders are generally snorted which produces the euphoric state in
approximately three to five minutes. This is the most common form of taking the drug.
According to one California study, 52% of users utilize this method [1]. Tablets and capsules are
taken orally. This also produces a euphoric state, but the effect is delayed for 15 to 20 minutes.
The liquid form is injected which is the second most common means of use reported in
California [1]. Chunks or crystals are "smoked", in which the drug is vaporized and inhaled (it is
not actually burned as is marihuana).
Injecting or smoking methamphetamine causes an almost immediate effect, often in as
little as five to ten seconds. This "flash" or "rush" lasts only a few minutes. The delayed effects
of ingesting or snorting do not have the flash or rush effect, but the resulting altered mental state
lasts longer [1]. The euphoric state can last up to 8 to 12 hours [3, 5]. Methamphetamine users,
also known as "tweakers", some times go on binges lasting as long as two weeks. As with any
drug, the effects will vary depending on the individual user's personality, health, and
metabolism, as well as the method of exposure and dosage.
Once in an individual's body, methamphetamine primarily affects the central nervous
Chapter 1 Methamphetamine, The Drug page 3
system, creating a sense of well being (euphoria). This is the result of neurotransmitters,
primarily dopamine, being released in the brain, particularly in areas associated with pleasure.
The up-take of these neurotransmitters is also blocked, resulting in the prolonged effects.
Methamphetamine also increases heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body
temperature [4]. The later, known as hyperthermia, can be lethal [6]. Behavioral changes
include:
- increased violent behavior,
- nervousness,
- irritability,
- paranoia (including homicidal and suicidal thought),
- insomnia,
- auditory hallucinations,
- stroke,
- cardiac arrhythmia,
- violent rages,
- mood disturbances and
- delusions such as "formication" which is the sensation of insects crawling on the skin.
[4, 5, 6].
It is also reported that methamphetamine use affects cartilage in the body, causing
individuals to appear prematurely aged. "Meth mouth" is a common condition of long term, hard
core users. The gums recede and teeth decay due to the corrosive effects from smoking the
crystaline form of methamphetamine. Dental treatment may require the removal of all natural
teeth and replacement with dentures [8]
.
Withdrawal from the drug can cause severe depression. This may be related to damage to
nerve cells and terminals. Cells containing dopamine and serotonin are damaged; nerve endings
are cut back, and their natural repair is limited in scope [7]. As a result, long term damage is
persistent. Methamphetamine users who have stopped taking the drug report that they no longer
experience pleasure and are often depressed.
Societal Effects:
Drug addiction has many effects, not only on the individual users, but on society as a
whole. In the case of methamphetamine, individual lives are destroyed. It is so highly addictive
that users often refuse assistance and rehabilitation. An example is a 34 year old Georgian mill
worker with a steady career and family. Once hooked on methamphetamine, his life changed
drastically. When his wife sought help for him through his company's drug treatment program,
he quit his job of 19 years rather than receive treatment. The addiction rate for first time users is
reported at 85%. Treatment and rehabilitation, which takes from 2 to 5 years only has a 15%
success rate [10].
As will be discussed in later chapters, "cooks" (operators of illicit methamphetamine
laboratories) can be severely injured or killed in laboratory accidents. Fires and explosions are
not
Chapter 1 Methamphetamine, The Drug page 4
uncommon, and can have devastating results. It has been reported that 15% of the known
laboratories producing methamphetamine were discovered in response to a fire or explosion
which occurred as a result of drug manufacturing activities [3]. In the case of laboratories in
apartment buildings or hotels, adjacent occupants may also be killed or injured. The economic
toll can be significant. Buildings that are contaminated from the hazardous chemicals used in
methamphetamine production must be decontaminated in order to protect future occupants. In
some cases, decontamination, an expensive process, is not economically viable and the structure
has to be demolished [16 ].
Perhaps the greatest societal cost is the effect upon children. Hard core
methamphetamine users are focused almost exclusively on the drug, and if they are also cooks,
on its manufacture. In such an environment, children are likely to be neglected, malnourished
and abused, physically, mentally and sexually. This abuse comes not only at the hands of
parents, but criminal and or drug addicted associates [3]. In an example from Keene, New
Hampshire, a couple left their 2 year old son in the care of a methamphetamine user, paying the
baby sitter in "bumps" or hits of methamphetamine. This baby sitter became easily agitated after
using methamphetamine, beat the child numerous times, and attempted to suffocate the child
twice. In his confession, the baby-sitter stated that he knew what he was doing, but could not
control himself [11].
Children may be residing in locations where methamphetamine is being manufactured. In
such situations, these children are exposed to numerous hazardous chemicals and mixtures.
Because of poor hygiene and operating procedures, children are playing and living in
contaminated surroundings. Toys, clothing, furniture, and because laboratories may be in
kitchens, even food is contaminated. Accidental ingestion and inhalation of toxic fumes,
including "second hand smoke" from users are real concerns. Booby traps set for law
enforcement personnel or competitors are also lethal hazards facing young residents. Foster care
and treatment for medical and mental health conditions are costs borne by society.
END OF CHAPTER 1
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